I hear a small crackling sound when I exhale, what can I do to make me cough less and stop this noise

Hello,

Thank you for the complete description of your symptoms, it helps me to better answer your question

What you are describing sounds like flu-like symptoms indeed. How long have you had these symptoms?

Thank you for the clarification. The crackling sounds you hear when you breathe out are a sign of inflammation and/or the presence of secretions in the bronchi. These symptoms are similar to those of a viral bronchitis.

Also, you have symptoms similar to viral sinusitis (headache, sinus and ear pain).

Muscle aches also strongly suggest a viral infection

Regardless of the virus involved (influenza or other), the goal is to relieve the symptoms that bother you the most. For muscle aches and headaches, an anti-inflammatory such as Advil/Motrin or acetaminophen may help. For sinus and ear pain, it is probably thick secretions that are putting pressure on your mucous membranes. Using a pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine decongestant may help. For coughs, I suggest a syrup made from dried ivy, Helixia Prospan

So using Tylenol OR Advil Sinus in combination with the Helixia may help reduce your overall symptoms. You should start to feel better in a few days

Sinusitis that lasts for more than 3 weeks may be a sign that the infection is more resistant or that a bacterial infection is going on. I suggest that you try to relieve your symptoms first with over-the-counter products. If you find that it's not very effective or your symptoms are dragging on, you'll need to see a doctor to evaluate the possibility of a bacterial infection.

I hope I've been able to answer your question. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to help you.